You can also wear a blouse open as a light extra layer. That works with a T-shirt, knit top, tank top or other base underneath. The blouse does not necessarily have to be sturdy, plain or tailored; look above all at whether the proportion with the underlayer and trousers is right.
Why this works in April
In April a coat is often too warm and a top alone too cold. A blazer is too formal for many occasions, a cardigan sometimes too homely. An open blouse sits exactly in between. It gives structure to your outfit, protects your arms from a fresh wind and can go in and out of your bag in no time. On top of that, a blouse you normally wear buttoned up becomes a new piece this way, without you having to buy anything.
Which blouse works best
- Fabric: sturdy cotton gives more shape; a thin or shiny fabric drapes more softly. Both can work deliberately.
- Fit: tailored-fit, regular-fit or oversized can all work; take into account how much volume the top and trousers already have.
- Length: short, hip-length or longer changes the proportion of the outfit. There is no fixed ideal length.
- Pattern: plain, stripe or print can all work. Just consider how many patterns you want to use at once.
The Odette striped slim-fit blouse in light blue stripes is a good candidate. The fine stripe looks fresh and the slim-fit cut prevents it from falling too wide when open. The Delphine tailored blouse in white has princess seams and a fabric with some stretch, so it keeps its shape when open. For a more striking detail there is the Seraphine blouse in light blue with white collar and cuffs. Worn open, the collar and the turned-back cuffs come out especially well.
What to wear underneath
The underlayer may be fitted or looser and can be plain or patterned. Look above all at volume, length and colour contrast with the open blouse.
| Top | Effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeveless knit polo | Polished, with a little collar that shows nicely | Office, lunch |
| Fine-knit T-shirt | Relaxed and soft | Weekend, city |
| Fitted tank top | Summery and light | Warm days, terrace |
The black slim-fit Genevieve can be worn under the striped Odette. Because both are relatively fitted, it is sensible to try the combination on together beforehand.
Four ways to style it
- Worn open: all buttons undone and the sleeves long or rolled up, depending on temperature and styling.
- Knotted at the waist: tie the two fronts loosely in front of your waist. This gives a playful, summery effect and accentuates your waist. Beautiful with high-waist trousers.
- Half tucked in: tuck only the front of the blouse a little way into your trousers. The blouse stays open, but gains more shape.
- Over the shoulders: can work briefly as a styling detail, but is less practical if you move a lot or cycle.
The right trousers
An open blouse creates a vertical line, which makes your silhouette look longer. Straight or slim-straight trousers reinforce that effect. The Cosette ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers in white are ideal for this: the high waist and straight leg add length, and white makes the combination with light blue extra fresh. For the weekend, the Adelaide high-waist jeans in light blue work just as well, in a tone-on-tone look with a light blue blouse.
Three outfits for a week in April
- Monday at the office: white Delphine blouse open over a black sleeveless polo, white slim-straight trousers, loafers.
- Wednesday lunch with a client: light blue Seraphine blouse open, white T-shirt, navy trousers.
- Saturday in the city: striped Odette blouse knotted at the waist, light blue jeans, white sneakers.
Combining colour and pattern
The most beautiful combinations arise when blouse and top have a clear relationship with each other. A light blouse over a dark top gives contrast and structure, a blouse and top in the same colour family give a long, calm line. A few combinations that always work: light blue over black, white over navy, light blue stripes over white, and cream over beige. Avoid two different stripes or a striped blouse over a top with a print. The open blouse is already a second layer. The rest of the outfit can then stay calm.
Your shoes and bag also help bring the whole together. With a light, fresh combination, white sneakers, light loafers or sandals with a thin strap fit well. With a dark top and a light blouse, you can choose black loafers instead, which repeat the dark at the bottom.
What to look out for
- Iron the blouse well, especially the front panels. Open, you see creases more quickly than buttoned up.
- A longer top under the blouse can deliberately stay visible as a layer.
- Choose jewellery based on how much detail the blouse and top already have.
- At the office, preferably wear the blouse loose rather than knotted at the waist.
Discover more in our collections blouses for Women and tops for Women, find the right trousers at trousers for Women or be inspired by our Boulevard looks.
Shop the look
Odette: striped slim-fit blouse, light blue striped
Delphine: tailored blouse with princess seams, white
Seraphine: tailored blouse with white collar, light blue
Genevieve: sleeveless ribbed knit polo, black
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers, white
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, light blue
Frequently asked questions
Which blouse can I wear as a jacket?
Almost any blouse can work, as long as fit and length work well with the underlayer. Sturdy fabrics give more structure; supple fabrics fall looser.
Can I wear an open blouse to the office?
Yes, especially with a smart top underneath, such as a sleeveless knit polo, and trousers. Wear it loose then, not knotted at the waist.
Does the blouse need to be bigger than normal?
No. Choose the size that suits the effect you want. A roomier size can deliberately be worn oversized.
Which shoes go with an open blouse?
That depends on the rest of your outfit. White sneakers and flat loafers work almost always. For the office choose loafers or pumps, for the weekend sneakers or sandals with a thin strap.
